jeer 1 of 2

as in snort
a vocal sound made to express scorn or disapproval ignored the jeers of the other team's fans and just focused on making her free throw shot

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

jeer

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word jeer distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of jeer are fleer, flout, gibe, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When could fleer be used to replace jeer?

In some situations, the words fleer and jeer are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

In what contexts can flout take the place of jeer?

The words flout and jeer can be used in similar contexts, but flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

Where would gibe be a reasonable alternative to jeer?

While the synonyms gibe and jeer are close in meaning, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

When can scoff be used instead of jeer?

While in some cases nearly identical to jeer, scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When is it sensible to use sneer instead of jeer?

The words sneer and jeer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of jeer
Noun
The courtroom broke out in a mix of cheers and jeers as soon as the verdict was read. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 9 Dec. 2024 At several points, the jeers from the crowd after a Mets pitcher threw a strike rivaled the noise from fans celebrating one of third baseman Mark Vientos’ two home runs. Will Sammon, The Athletic, 15 Aug. 2024
Verb
In the cafeteria, the boys jeer at him, and a light-skinned kid, off to the side, jeers back, an act Elwood takes as fraternal defense. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024 For example, Nadon’s Leonard is so comically greedy that he is often jeered at and publically lambasted. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jeer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jeer
Noun
  • The book, with illustrations by English artist Hannah Farr, tells the story of how Henri gets bullied in doggie daycare because of his loud snort.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
  • But back in the late 90s, people could crush the pills, turning a slow-release narcotic into a rapidly acting drug, a snort or injection leading to an intense high.
    Peter Ubel, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024
Verb
  • And if the Jaguars do not pull themselves out of the AFC South abyss, owner Shad Khan will be ridiculed for letting a guy with a skimpy resume have a huge say in picking the team’s next general manager.
    John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Through cute memes and witty jokes, both groups ridiculed the TikTok ban.
    Jianqing Chen, The Conversation, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Ruby’s face hardened, her lips twisting into a sneer.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Donning false teeth and a homicidal sneer, Dafoe embodied pure evil in Lynch’s crazed road movie, starring opposite Laura Dern and Nicolas Cage.
    Chris Vognar, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Shelton specifically referenced the incident where Tony Jones of Channel 9 mocked Novak Djokovic and his fans on air, causing Djokovic to skip a post-match interview with Jim Courier.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • They were also nominated for worst screen combo, another blow for the movie that Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser ruthlessly mocked in her monologue earlier this month.
    Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, Biden's subtle smirk added a layer of quiet disagreement.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Trump was behind Sewell, looking on with a condescending smirk, as if to say, Get a load of this guy!
    Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Former Vice President 's entrance into President 's inauguration was met with boos from Capital One Arena, where thousands of Trump supporters gathered ahead of the inaugural parade on Monday.
    Andrew Stanton, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Cubs fans greeted Sosa with cheers and only a smattering of boos, which were drown out by the loud applause.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • League sources stifle their snickers in public while privately marveling at the owner’s ceaseless stupidity. 3.
    Jeff Howe, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • So he must be placed in the Apparition section, next to ghosts like John Barron, sharing a snicker with Ivana.
    Greg Marotta, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near jeer

Cite this Entry

“Jeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jeer. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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